NEWARK, N.J. – Federal agents have arrested a Pennsylvania man accused of leaving sexually explicit and threatening voicemails for New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, in what prosecutors describe as a targeted campaign of harassment.
Authorities identified the suspect as 72-year-old Stephen M. Cilurso of Pennsylvania, who was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service and extradited to New Jersey to face charges in Essex County. Prosecutors say the case stems from a series of disturbing voicemails left at Sherrill’s former congressional office before she became governor.
According to court filings, the messages were vulgar, sexually explicit, and intended to intimidate. Cilurso is charged with fourth-degree stalking and harassment, and officials say the communications escalated over time, prompting federal coordination to track the suspect.
Records show Cilurso has faced similar accusations before. In 2021, he was charged in Pennsylvania for allegedly leaving obscene messages for another member of Congress. Investigators noted that the prior case was reviewed in connection with the current charges, citing what they called a “pattern of behavior.”
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the charges remain allegations and that Cilurso is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. No court date has yet been announced.
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Key Points:
- Stephen M. Cilurso, 72, was arrested in Pennsylvania for allegedly threatening Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
- Prosecutors say he left sexually explicit and intimidating voicemails at her former congressional office.
- Cilurso previously faced similar charges in 2021 involving another member of Congress.
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